Mirrored Furniture: The Pros, Cons, and a Guide to Keeping It Sparkling

Decorating with mirrored furniture has a glamorous, reflective appeal that can elevate a room’s aesthetic instantly. From dressers to coffee tables, mirrored pieces create a sense of openness, light, and luxury.

I personally have always been obsessed with mirrored furniture. I took this photo above on one of the times I visited one of my favorite home decor stores in Houston, Shabby Slips. Ever since I saw this room, I dreamt of a mirrored coffee table. However, being a mom I know how difficult keeping it clean can be.

Like any design choice, mirrored furniture has its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a guide to help you weigh the pros and cons and learn how to keep these pieces looking as pristine as possible.

The Pros of Mirrored Furniture

1. Enhances Light and Space
   Mirrored surfaces bounce light around a room, making it feel larger and brighter. In small or dimly lit spaces, a mirrored piece can make a world of difference, creating a more open, airy feel.

2. Elegant, Luxurious Appeal
   Mirrored furniture has an undeniable charm and a touch of Old Hollywood glamour. It adds a luxurious vibe to your decor and pairs well with various styles, from Art Deco to modern chic.

3. Versatility in Design
   Mirrored pieces come in various shapes, sizes, and designs. They work well in bedrooms, living rooms, and even bathrooms. Mirrored furniture also blends with other materials, like wood or metal, making it easier to incorporate into your existing decor.

4. Reflective Accents Draw Attention
   Mirrored pieces are eye-catching and create focal points within a room. They can be excellent conversation starters, especially if you choose unique shapes or patterns for the furniture.

The Cons of Mirrored Furniture

1. Prone to Smudges and Fingerprints
   The sleek, reflective surfaces of mirrored furniture attract fingerprints, dust, and smudges, making regular cleaning necessary to maintain their look. If you have children or pets, this can be a constant upkeep challenge.

2. Fragility and Susceptibility to Damage
   Mirrored surfaces can be more fragile than traditional wood or metal pieces. Scratches and cracks can happen more easily, and repairing or replacing mirrored panels can be costly.

3. Weight and Difficulty Moving
   Mirrored furniture is often heavier than traditional options due to the glass materials, which can make moving or rearranging the pieces more difficult. Extra care is needed to avoid damaging them during a move.

4. Higher Maintenance
   If you’re looking for low-maintenance decor, mirrored furniture may not be the best choice. The frequent need to wipe down the surfaces and the delicacy of glass require more care than traditional furniture materials.

Tips for Keeping Mirrored Furniture Looking Clean and Polished

1. Regular Dusting
   Dust settles quickly on mirrored surfaces, so try to dust at least twice a week. Use a microfiber cloth, as it’s gentle on the glass and won’t leave scratches.

2. Use a Glass Cleaner Sparingly
   For a deeper clean, spray a small amount of glass cleaner on a microfiber cloth and gently wipe down the surface. Avoid spraying directly on the furniture, as excess liquid can seep into the edges and damage the mirror backing over time.

3. Spot-Clean Fingerprints and Smudges
   Focus on spot-cleaning fingerprints and smudges as they appear. This way, you won’t need to clean the entire surface every time you see a blemish. Just a quick wipe with a damp microfiber cloth should do the trick.

4. Protect the Edges
   The edges of mirrored furniture are especially vulnerable to chipping and cracking. Be mindful of how you position other decor items around it, and avoid placing heavy objects directly on mirrored surfaces without some protection underneath.

5. Avoid Abrasive Cleaners
   Never use abrasive sponges or cleaners on mirrored surfaces, as they can leave scratches. Stick to soft cloths and gentle cleaning solutions designed for glass.

6. Polish for Extra Shine
   To add some extra shine, consider using a diluted white vinegar solution (equal parts vinegar and water). Apply lightly and buff the surface to create a streak-free finish that looks professionally polished.

MIRRORED COFFEE TABLES

I adore this long rectangular mirrored coffee table from Wisteria above. I also love the look of two tables sitting together. 

Who else thinks this Jonathan Adler mirrored coffee table is bomb?

SHOP MY FAVORITES: 

MIRRORED TABLES IN THE BEDROOM

 I also really love mirrored bedside tables and I think I definitely want them for my new bedroom. I want ones with ample storage because I love reading books at night. A place to put my journal and lotions, etc. Storage is always key! 

I love these from this Jillian Harris bedroom vibe. 

I adore this entire collection of mirrored pieces. . .

Shop my favorites here: 

Image sources: Olivia Rink

coffee tables: Domaine Home | Wayfair | VT Interiors | Horchow | Chronicles of Frivolty

side tables: the everygirl | the haven | Zgallerie | meredith heron |

A search for the perfect mirrored nightstand

Nothing is more exciting to me than decorating a new space. Especially a new bedroom. In my last home, my bedroom was super dark, relaxing, had a ton of personality. My new bedroom has an entire wall of floor to ceiling windows so I feel the desire to brighten things up.

Something in me wants everything to be in white and let the natural light really pour in. I got rid of a lot so I want the room to be very minimal and clean. Plants, cozy textures, crystals and soft energy. I fell in love with my chinoiserie style nightstands, they were perfect in my old room.

However, with my cleaning up the energy in my space, I am really looking for the perfect mirrored nightstands. Mirrored furniture only opens up a space and makes it feel more glamorous. Naturally this feels like the right move for me. In the photo above, I love this Hollywood style table. 

Mirrors also amplify energy in whatever reflects out. They add more space and they always bring the energy of refreshment and calm into any space.

These are all looks that I have on my inspiration boards for my new space. I've also been on the hunt for nightstands around or under $500 because I may only live here for less than a year. Let's take a look at what I found. . .

1. I think this one has that hollywood glam vibe to it, which I absolutely love.

2. This mirrored cabinet is a nice size and I like the X detail.

3. I also love the black detail in this gorgeous 3 drawer nightstand. Very deco glam.

4. This pretty little nightstand is clean looking and very chic.

5. This nightstand is very pretty too! 

6. This may be the winner, Hollywood glam style accent table.

So many options and there are plenty more I found too. Shop my picks here:

Images via 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5